Rural schools often have few pupils

Parents from Penybontfawr, near Llanfyllin, have campaigned for weeks to keep Ysgol Pennant open.

The full council in Powys rubber-stamped the decision, which had already been backed by the education committee and board last month. At the meeting on Thursday, councillors also agreed to build a new Welsh and English speaking school at nearby Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant.

Ysgol Pennant's head teacher Buddug Bates welcomed the decision, but claimed the school's long-term future remained uncertain.

"It's very good news for the school and means a traditional Welsh school can stay open," she said.

"But there's a much bigger picture because there is a review of primary schools which is looking at buildings to ascertain whether they are a certain standard.

"So in the short-term it's good news, but the long-term future is still uncertain."

Graham Roberts, a parent of a child at the school, the chairman of its governors and its action committee, said: "We are obviously delighted, particularly with the support from the county council.

"I understand the county council is looking to review primary school provision again in this area and it's possible the issue will come up again.

"But with the support demonstrated by the county council, in recognition of Ysgol Pennant as a Welsh medium school, it looks favourable for us."

Ysgol Pennant is in the hamlet of Penybontfawr in north Powys

A number of parents from Penybontfawr and Llanrhaeadr attended Thursday's council meeting in Llandrindod Wells.

They heard that the new school at Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant would cost �1.7m and accommodate 120 pupils. At present there are 76.

The issue in north Powys has provoked protest and debate for years after the council launched its review into primary provision.

It examined ways to unite a number of primary schools in the Llanrhaeadr area.

But the full council's decision means there will be no mergers.

At previous meeting, concerns had been raised by the Welsh Language Board which said the closure of Ysgol Pennant, which has 52 pupils, would be detrimental to the Welsh language in the area.